clambake @ lakehouse inn

Last night, we went to the Lakehouse Inn and Winery in Geneva-on-the-Lake for their annual clambake. If you are not familiar with this place, it’s a cute little inn right on the water with picture perfect views and nice grounds (I’ve never spent the night so not sure about the rooms). I discovered it last year when my girlfriends took me there for my bachelorette party. If you’re like me, this pretty much has the makings of a great evening: fall, the lake, wine and a clambake.

The setting was basically how I remembered it from last year, except it was much warmer: live music (think Jack Johnson), decent size crowd and gorgeous views of the lake and sunset. The one difference was the clambake itself. Last year each of us commented how delicious everything was. Huge clams, perfectly roasted chicken, flavorful potatoes and the best clam chowder any of us have had in awhile. Last night, the food was good not great and not nearly as enjoyable as the previous year – except for the soup and apple pie. The clams were ok. Not quite as large and almost too salty. I didn’t have the broth, but my sister-in-law said it was extremely salty. The potatoes lacked flavor and the chicken was ok. But, I’m not a huge fan of chicken so I probably don’t make the best judge. My one brother-in-law did comment that it was probably the best chicken he has ever had at a clambake.

So while the atmosphere truly is ideal for a clambake and we did have a great evening, I think next year I’ll pass. The bake, which also includes a bottle of wine, costs $100 per couple. To me, that’s too much to spend for food that’s just ok, even if that atmosphere is what you’d want for this fall favorite. I’d rather host a clambake, or better yet, convince one of my friends or siblings to have one.